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How to explain or teach someone the meaning of Scrum Master is a true leader as per the new Scrum Guide?

Last post 11:33 am June 8, 2021 by Adrian Baker
3 replies
05:24 am June 8, 2021

I'd like some help to know how one should teach the meaning of being a true leader based on the new changes in SG2020. If Servant Leadership is one style of leadership, then can a true leader use different styles?


05:36 am June 8, 2021

As you have passed all three PSM exams, I would have thought that you could answer this yourself.  :-)

Yes, I agree with you that a true leader would be able to utilise all leadership styles depending upon the situation they are faced with; however, I would hope that the SM would still be biased towards the servant leadership style in order to allow the team to grow. 


07:18 am June 8, 2021

If Servant Leadership is one style of leadership, then can a true leader use different styles?

Perhaps leadership is more a matter of substance. There are however a variety of leadership stances which a Scrum Master may adopt at different times. These include teaching, coaching, facilitating, leading from the back of the room and even actively doing nothing.


11:33 am June 8, 2021

Jeff Sutherland talks about the reasons for changing the terminology from "Servant Leader" to "True leader who serves" because they wanted to emphasis that the SM is more of an active role and a leadership role, not just a facilitator. They said some were even questioning whether a SM was even needed. More here: https://www.scruminc.com/2020-scrum-guide-changes-updates-explained/


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